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We are constantly advising gardeners to:-

1. Check the value of their garden contents. (Download our Garden Inventory to help!)
2. Check the level of garden cover on their Insurance Policy.
3. If necessary, contact their Insurance Provider to obtain extra cover – and/or shop around for a competitive quote.

 

The value of this advice was illustrated recently by Alan Boswell Group director Richard Hartley who cited the case of one homeowner who was left thankful that he had taken out extra garden cover when almost £8,000-worth of large sandstone and cast iron garden ornaments, wooden furniture and tools were stolen from his property last year.

"The claim was met in full," said Richard. 

More importantly, the cost of the upgrade to their Sentinel policy was a mere £30.00pa

For a great garden insurance deal, and general advice on garden security, check out our Garden Insurance Page

1. The garden shed is now the prime target for the garden thief.
2. A recent survey by M&S Money revealed that the contents of the average garden shed are worth £888.00.
3. This is partly due to the fact that the garden contents, such as barbecues, furniture, electrical tools and machinery have become more sophisticated/expensive, and also the fact that the garden shed is increasingly used as the overspill storage area for more expensive items, such as golf clubs, bikes etc
4. The garden shed is also a key source for tools and ladders, allowing burglars easy access into your home.

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Despite the 8% drop in crime recorded by the police in the last 12 months (according to Home Office statistics) there was, during the same period, a 7% increase in bicycle thefts!

This is hardly surprising when you consider that:-

1. Bikes are in high demand!
2. Today's high-tech bicycles command a high price - even second hand!
3. Many bikes are easily accessible - especially when stored in inadequate, poorly protected wooden sheds!
4. What easier and unobtrusive way of leaving the scene of the crime than "On Yer Bike" ?

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"The growth in garden crime over the past couple of years is not due to Tommy T-Leaf being a gardener, but solely due to the fact that he is a THIEF! who will take any easy pickings that are left outdoors – and bikes have become the prime target!"

The Home Office estimates that approximately half a million bikes are stolen every year and that over half of these are taken from our homes, sheds and gardens. Despite the occasional mutterings of “economic green shoots” in the commercial and financial sectors, unemployment is still rising and credit is in short supply; in these circumstances, it is hardly surprising that the criminal fraternity will look for every opportunity to steal whatever we care to leave outdoors in our gardens and sheds. In short, whatever is left outdoors is likely to quickly disappear. During the summer months we have reported a miscellany of thefts ranging from expensive plants to paving stones, from garden furniture to garden statuary - and even the theft of pets, such as puppies, birds and tortoises – basically anything that can be quickly turned into cash!

There are several reasons why the bike is now such a popular target for the garden thief. First, the recent successes of the individual riders and national cycling teams at the Olympics, Tour de France, World Championships etc have raised the profile of the sport immeasurably. Accordingly, this has increased the efficiency and quality of cycles across the board – together with the costs, which have quickly risen into hundreds, sometimes thousands of pounds. What more incentive does Tommy T-Leaf need?

• Bikes are in high demand!
• Bikes command a high price – even second hand!
• Many of them are easily accessible – often stored in inadequate wooden sheds.
• What easier and unobtrusive way of leaving the scene of the crime than "on yer bike"

It is therefore essential that bike owners across the country pay particular attention to the security of their machines. The basics of securing your outdoor possessions are the same, whether you are protecting your bike, garden tools, garden machinery or garden antiques.

Gardien have approached Alan Campbell, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State responsible for crime reduction, to gain Home Office involvement in producing statistics relating to Garden Crime, together with associated links to house burglaries. In view of the reported 4% increase in house burglaries in the latter months of 2008, it comes as no surprise to us that there there have also been recent instancies of shed break-ins which were instrumental in house burglaries. When you think about it, which self respecting "Tommy T-Leaf" is going to run the risk of toting his "tools of the trade" when he can often find what he needs in many unprotected garden sheds. In view of the number of cost-effective garden security products now available ( check out our Shop ) there is no excuse for anyone making things easy for the garden thief and / or house burglar.

 Recent editorials in the Guardian, Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday (see Gardien Press Pages below) emphasised the increasing theft of plants, bushes and newly planted trees. These are obviously at greatest risk immediately following planting.

During recent weeks several major Insurance Companies have issued Garden Security warnings. NFU Mutual, Rias, Cheshire Building Society, Esure and the Halifax have all warned of the growing value of garden contents, and the increasing number and value of garden related claims.

We advise all gardeners to:-

a) take a copy of our Garden Inventory to help calculate the true value of your garden - most people are truly amazed!
b) compare your values against your insurance policy.
c) if necessary, contact your broker or insurance company

Two independent crime prevention initiatives – one at Greenock, Inverclyde, the other at Jarrow, Tyneside, emphasise the increase in garden crime and the vulnerability of most sheds and outbuildings. The rise in the number of shed break-ins over recent weeks in both areas (14 in Jarrow alone!) has led to the theft of power tools, bikes and garden furniture. The local police forces have issued security guidelines and warnings to local residents.
This is fast becoming a national crime issue, but can easily be avoided.
Check out the Prevention – Sheds & Outbuildings pages on this site now!

Latest Update....
Greater Manchester Police have urged residents in Wigan and Leigh to ensure that their sheds, garages and outbuildings are properly locked and bolted, following a spate of 67 break-ins during May.

The installation of a sturdy Shed Bar, costing £40/50 is a powerful, cost-effective deterrent. AVAILABLE TO BUY NOW FROM THIS SITE: shed bar